Table of Contents
OARC SOTA Activity Day - 14th June 2025
Introduction
This came about originally because Mark (2M0IIG) wanted an RSGB Brickworks point for organising a club meeting or event. He toyed with a few ideas but it seemed like the easiest thing to do was to arrange a Summits on the Air day for those of us who like to do such things. It was easier than arranging a detailed programme for an evening activity and any tuition required. After completing this from 2022 to 2024 we're doing it again in 2025!
The idea is that a bunch of OARCers will all just pile up to the top of some SOTA peaks and try to contact each other on the bands, as well as talking to other chasers and hopefully promoting OARC to the wider amateur radio community. We’ll have an S2S party, meaning “summit-to-summit” - extra points are scored for these kinds of contacts. The Welsh SOTA S2S Party will be happening on this day, so there are opportunities for many contacts with non-OARCers in a variety of locations.
Please try and promote OARC on the air, but please also don’t spam folk with it. Mostly try and have fun and score some lovely points! If you’re an OARC member and you want to take part just edit the wiki and stick yourself on the list. If you don’t have access let me know on Discord and I can add you myself.
Mark - 2M0IIG
- Date: 14th June 2025.
- Time: Aim to arrive on peaks at around 09:30 U.K. time and operate for a few hours at least on all bands. The Welsh S2S Party runs from 09:30-13:30 UK time. We can go longer if we want
- Bands and Modes: The usual ones: 2M, 10M, 12M, 15M, 17M, 20M, 40M depending on individual activator and gear. If people want to do exotic bands/data modes or anything else that is also absolutely fine!
- Choose a summit: The SOTLAS website is useful to see what summits are located near you. We’ll have an interactive map linked here soon so you can see everyone else (also embedded at the bottom of the page).
- Post an alert on SOTAWatch: If you post your trip itinerary in advance on SOTAWatch it will let folk prepare for it and be waiting for you when you get set up on your summit. See the Activity Plan link below for more details.
- Message Chris MM0UHR on Discord so he can update the map below
Next steps
The following links should provide a starting point with some helpful information to ensure you're well-prepared for your SOTA (Summits on the Air) activation. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just returning to the hobby, these resources, (will eventually) cover everything from basic gear to strategies for logging your QSOs (contacts).
- What should I take? - If this is your first SOTA activation or you’re returning after a break, this guide will provide valuable insights on the essential equipment to bring. It includes information on selecting radios, antennas, and power sources, as well as a section on personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure a safe and successful outing.
- Activity plan for the day - some guidance on how to make things work well with so many stations out and about, as well as info on how to make sure you get lots of QSOs. If you want to borrow a club callsign then that’s in here too.
- SOTA Exchange, Scoring and Logging - if you plan on logging your QSOs for valuable SOTA points these tips will get you started. You’ll also find out information on what details you need to exchange during a SOTA QSO.
- Writing an Activation Report - document your day by writing about your trip. Photos are encouraged!
Planned Activations
Add your name to the wiki to mark your intentions for the day here.
| Name/Callsign | Summit Name | Summit Ref | Bands/Modes Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben EI9IUB | Great Sugarloaf or Kippure | EI/IE-022 or EI/IE-005 | 20/40/80, 2M |
| Steve M1SDH | Long Knoll | G/SC-007 | 40/20/15/10/2m |
| Chris MM0UHR | Arthur's Seat | GM/SS-272 | 2m |
| Scott 2M0VSR | East Cairn | GM/SS-282 | 2m |
| Rich M7GET | Black Down | G/SE-003 | 2m/4m/70cm |
| Ian M0TRT | Nine Barrow Down | G/SC-013 | 40/20/2m |
| Owen M0KVI | Wilmington Hill | G/SE-011 | 40/30/20/10m CW |
Map
New map link to be added.